WHS’s grass-fed gala beef sets new farm animal welfare standard

For the first time in the 23-year history of the Bow Wow Ball gala, the Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS) will serve grass-fed, humanely raised beef. The landmark decision means this year’s event – Phantom of the Pawpera – on Oct. 15, sets a new standard of food sourcing at WHS events.

“People are becoming more aware of how animals used for food are treated and the health benefits associated with humanely farmed meat,” says WHS CEO Javier Schwersensky. “Offering humanely raised beef from a local Manitoba farm is a momentous occasion for the WHS and promotes animal welfare within our province.”

Grass-fed beef lives a stress-free life on a pasture with room to roam and eats strictly a grass diet – the kind of diet cattle were meant to eat. Grass-fed beef contains less fat than grain-fed beef, but more of the healthy fats that promote weight loss and improve heart health.

Chef Eraj of The Fairmont Winnipeg, the venue of the Bow Wow Ball, will prepare the Edie Creek Angus Beef Bourguignon. Vegetarians will have the option of a truffle mushroom and root vegetable cannelloni.

The WHS was founded in 1894 with the mandate of protecting the welfare of all animals, including those raised on farms. In 2003, the WHS introduced its Quit Stalling campaign, which has helped reduce the number of sow stalls on farms in Manitoba. The WHS is also in discussion with Manitoba egg producers to accelerate the elimination of battery cages used in farms.

Tickets for the Bow Wow Ball can be purchased here until Oct. 2 and supports over 8,500 animals that will arrive at the WHS this year.